Wednesday, March 9
11:30 a.m. — The Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players meet for lunch at the BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-518-4431. Fee applies.
Friday, March 11
10:30 a.m. — Magician Gerard Tricarico entertains at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
4 to 7 p.m. — Reception for batik artists Sara Gafvert and Robin Zimmerman at the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906.
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. — Reception for artist Charles Townsend at the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906.
Saturday, March 12
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-722-3212.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Art League hosts Springfest fine arts and crafts festival at Holmes Beach City field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-2099.
Sunday, March 13
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — C.M. Hoffman signs copies of her book, “Restless Souls, Peaceful Warriors,” at the Back Alley, 121 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-2889.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Art League hosts Springfest fine arts and crafts festival at Holmes Beach City field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-2099.
4 p.m. — Beach Bistro’s 13th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade departs from Eat Here restaurant, 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and ends at 79th Street in Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6444.
Tuesday, March 15
Noon — Rachelle Madrigal of the Pittsburgh Pirates will speak at the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting at the BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-518-1965. Fee applies.
8 p.m. — Island Players presents a preview performance of “Rabbit Hole” to benefit the Anna Maria Island Relay for Life at the theater at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-779-2181. Fee applies.
Wednesday, March 16
1 to 3 p.m. — Anna Maria Garden Club Penny Flower Show at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-4683.
6 to 8 p.m. — C.M. Hoffman signs copies of her book, “Restless Souls, Peaceful Warriors,” at the Back Alley, 121 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-2889.
Ongoing:
• Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m., duplicate bridge at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-3390.
• Tuesdays, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Coffee and Conversations for Seniors at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.
• Tuesdays, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Inquiring Minds study group at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813.
• Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m., teens meet at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.
• Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Settlers bread is available at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society museum shop, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.
• Alternating Wednesdays, 11 a.m., memory loss support group at the Longboat Island Chapel Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491.
• Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., players pitch horseshoes in the pits at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.
• Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., smoke-free bingo at Annie Silver Community Center, 102 23 rd Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1915.
• Fridays, Senior Adventures Group meets for outings to various locations. Information: 941-962-8835.
• Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meets at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
• Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Outdoor market on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-518-4431.
Off-Island:
Wednesday, March 9
11 a.m. — Einstein Circle discussion on “What Gives Life Meaning?” at the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-359-4296.
7 to 9 p.m. — “The Science of Brewing Beer” with local brewmasters Joe and Diane Brant at the South Florida Museum, 201 10th St., Bradenton. Information: 941-746-4131.
Thursday, March 10
6 to 9 p.m. — Concert in the Grove featuring Shotgun Justice at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. Information: 941-748-5829.
Friday, March 11
5 p.m. — Sunshine State Film Series: “Cross Creek,” at the South Florida Museum, 201 10th St., Bradenton. Information: 941-746-4131. Fee applies.
Saturday, March 12
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Orange Blossom Festival at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. Information: 941-748-5829.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Palmetto’s Heritage Day at the historical park, 515 10th Ave. W., Palmetto. Information: 941-721-2034.
Sunday, March 13
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Orange Blossom Festival at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. Information: 941-748-5829.
Wednesday, March 16
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — “History of Chamber Music” with Jack Winberg at the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-359-4296.
1 p.m. — Manatee River Club presents a “Flowering Trees” lecture by Lesli Larmon at 3120 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-870-2259.
Coming Up:
• March 17, St. Patrick’s Day dinner, St. Bernard Catholic Church.
• March 17, “Rabbit Hole” opening night, Island Players.
• March 18, For Art’s Sake benefit, outside The Islander office.
• March 18, Friday Fest, Pine Avenue.
• March 18, Sunshine State Film Series: “Ulee’s Gold,” South Florida Museum.
• March 18, health and business fair, Mixon Fruit Farms.
• March 19, Anna Maria Island Community Center Tour of Homes, Anna Maria Island.
• March 19-20, Myositis fundraiser events featuring Fabio.
Save the Date:
• March 23, wine tasting benefit for AMI Community Center, Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Longboat Key.
• March 27, Beach to Bay Eco Day, Bridge Street.
• April 2, An Affaire to Remember, Anna Maria Island Community Center.
• April 9, Paws in Motion Humane Society of Manatee County walkathon, downtown Bradenton riverfront.
• May 7, 10th annual Island Run for the Children’s Academy of Southwest Florida.
• May 13-14, Anna Maria City Pier Centennial Celebration, Anna Maria.
Send calendar announcements to diana@islander.org. Please include the time, date and location of the event, a brief description and a contact via e-mail and phone.
AME calendar
Save the date for the following Anna Maria Elementary School happenings:
• Through March 11, spring break.
• March 14, 3:15 p.m., school advisory committee meeting, media center.
• March 17, picture day.
• March 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., third-grade field trip to South Florida Museum.
• March 24, Domino’s Pizza fundraiser.
• March 29, 7 p.m., student talent show, auditorium.
• March 31, 1:30 p.m., birthday book club, media center.
AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
For more information, call 941-708-5525.